Super-Obesity in the Elderly: Is Bariatric Surgery Justified?

Although the prevalence of obese elderly patients is increasing, the outcomes of bariatric surgery in this potentially high-risk cohort remain poorly understood, especially those relating to quality of life. Furthermore, there is no data on the efficacy of bariatric surgery in the super-obese elderly. We identified 50 consecutive patients undergoing bariatric surgery aged 60 years or over, and compared the outcomes of the super-obese (BMI ≥ 50; n = 26) with those of BMI < 50. Mean follow-up was 33 months. There were no significant differences between the groups in terms of comorbidities, operation-type and peri-operative complications. Mean percentage excess weight loss was comparable between the groups (56.7 vs. 58.8 %; p = 0.81), as was resolution of comorbidities and post-operative quality of life (mean Bariatric Analysis and Reporting Outcome System (BAROS) 3.5 vs. 3.1; p = 0.64).